Ensuring food autonomy

A regional workshop on adopting methods for the agroecological transition will be held in Moroni from October 29 to 31, 2024. This marks the third event of its kind organized by CIRAD (the French Agricultural Research Centre for International Development).

This workshop brings together participants from Comoros, Mauritius, Seychelles, and Madagascar to share their expertise. « Our mission is to support the advancement of Southern countries across various fields », said Joël Huat, an agronomist at CIRAD. The goal is to empower communities to secure their food autonomy by minimizing reliance on synthetic chemicals.

Over the three-day event, participants will alternate between indoor sessions and field visits, primarily to local agricultural farms. Project leader Joël Huat emphasized that the goal is to identify agroecological methods suited to Comoros to complement ongoing research within this project’s framework.

In the field, participants will also gather a range of data on agronomic, economic, and social aspects. One visit includes a plot managed by the association Espoir des Enfants, in partnership with Inrape. This organization is dedicated to promoting agroecological practices centered on « Zero Chemical Treatment ».

Guides and video capsules will be developed to utilize, share, and disseminate the knowledge and skills gained through these methods. This regional project is funded by the 11th EDF (European Development Fund).